The dashing Australian opener Travis Head is currently playing for Washington Freedom in the Major League Cricket (MLC) 2024. The batsman gave a surprising reaction during his team’s match against Los Angeles Knight Riders in Morrisville on July 14.
During the second over of Washington Freedom’s innings, a rare incident occurred when their bat broke into two pieces. On the fifth ball of the second over, fast bowler Andre Russell hit the ball hard and bowled a short, length ball that hit Head’s body from above the wicket.
The ball bounced back towards Head, who tried to get it off his back foot. The ball hit the top half of his bat as Head was outpaced. The bat broke into two pieces and flew towards the square leg umpire while the handle remained in the hands of Travis Head. Head’s reaction after the ball hit the bat was surprising as the ball was caught by the fielder at mid-wicket.
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Watch Travis Head’s Shocking Reaction After His Broken Bat Flies Through the Air
Travis Head had a good day with the bat after the incident. He top-scored the match with 54 runs off 32 balls, which included 2 fours and 6 sixes. He put on a 79-run partnership for the first wicket with captain and his Australian teammate Steve Smith, who remained unbeaten on 42 runs off 36 balls.
Head was dismissed in the ninth over of the innings but by then he had done his job. Washington Freedom chased down the modest target of 130 runs with four overs remaining and 8 wickets in hand. Smith and Andres Gous were not out till the end for Washington.
Saurabh Netravalkar and Glenn Maxwell shine for Washington Freedom
Earlier, Washington Freedom won the toss and elected to bowl first on a tricky pitch. Washington’s bowlers bowled beautifully and took advantage of the conditions well. Left-arm spinner Saurabh Netravalkar continued his impressive form from the 2024 T20 World Cup by showcasing his skills with the new ball to score two early overs and restrict Los Angeles Knight Riders to 18-4 in 4.2 overs.
There was a brief partnership between Saif Badar and Nitish Kumar for the fifth wicket but Knight Riders’ innings could not get going at any stage. Saif Badar top-scored for the team with 35 off 28 balls which included 1 four and 3 sixes. Andre Russell looked in a position to do a great job but was dismissed by Glenn Maxwell for 20 off 12 balls.
Saurabh Netravalkar took 4-35 in 3.4 overs while spinner Glenn Maxwell took 3-15 in four overs. Maxwell was named Man of the Match for his brilliant bowling performance.
With this performance, Washington Freedom has moved to the top of the points table with three wins so far. They are the only undefeated team in the tournament so far. On the other hand, Los Angeles Knight Riders have fallen to fifth place with just one win so far.
